point-of-view
/ˌpɔɪnt əv ˈvjuː/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A way of thinking about something or a personal opinion about it. It shows how one person sees a situation, issue, or story.
- From her point of view, the plan is unfair.
- We need to consider every point of view.
- 2.
In writing, film, or art, the viewpoint from which a story is shown or told. It can also mean the angle or perspective used.
- The story is told from the child’s point of view.
- The camera shows the scene from a new point of view.
Adinary Nuance
Point of view is broader and more personal than opinion. It often includes the reasons behind a way of seeing something, not just a short judgment. Compared with perspective, it sounds a little more everyday and less technical. In stories, point of view often means who is telling or seeing the story.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- quan điểm
- Spanish
- punto de vista
- Chinese
- 观点
- Japanese
- 見方
- Korean
- 관점
Etymology
Point of view became common in English in the 1800s. It combines point, of, and view to mean the place or angle from which something is seen or understood.
Common phrases
from my point of viewfrom his point of viewevery point of viewa different point of view
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is point of view the same as opinion?
- Not exactly. An opinion is a direct judgment, while point of view can include the wider way you see a situation.
- Is point of view formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speech and writing. It works well in essays, discussion, and everyday conversation.
- What is point of view in a story?
- It is the voice or angle used to tell the story. For example, a story may be told in first person or third person.
- Can I say from my point of view in business writing?
- Yes. It is clear and natural, but use it when you want to show a personal view.